Mosque at Ground Zero Becomes Political

Guest Author - Stephanie Romero

The White House has recently made claims that President Obama’s decision to back support for the building of a mosque near Ground Zero is not political.

I’m sorry but I think everything that comes out of the mouth of a politician is political. It is hard to know if what is said is genuine or not. President Obama apparently decided to voice his thoughts on the issue because he felt it was his duty.

It is pretty obvious that this will now become a political issue. Republicans have clearly stated their objections to his viewpoint and want Democrats to make their own stand. It is yet another issue that can pit one party against another.

I really have to wonder if this was a wise decision for the White House. President Obama seems to have a knack for going against the grain. According to the latest Rasmussen polls, 54% of Americans oppose the building of this mosque. Only 20% of Americans favor it. It seems that yet again Obama is willing to go against popular opinion.

The unfortunate thing is that although Obama claims it has more to do with religious freedom than anything else, it must still seem like a slap in the face to the victim’s families of 9/11.

Those who oppose the building of the mosque mostly stand on the premise that although it is in their religious right to do so, does it make it the wise thing to do? Just because something is right doesn’t make it right to do…you may need to reread that.

Those who are for the building of the mosque believe it demonstrates religious tolerance. In fact, I watched this one show where a Muslim man reminded the audience that Muslims were also victims of the 9/11 attack. While that is true, I think there is a sensitivity issue that comes into play here.

Up until now it has been an American issue but the White House has just made it a political issue. It will be interesting to watch this unfold and see how it affects upcoming elections.

While some believe the upcoming elections will strictly be about jobs and the economy, I tend to think these other issues will become an important component and politicians will use them to their advantage.